Bryce Lee Gillies

Bryce Lee Gillies of Mclean, VA; 20 McLEAN, VA Bryce Gillies, a third-year physics major at Northern Arizona University, died last week during a backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. He was 20. Mr. Gillies, from McLean, Va., recently returned from Yua, Ghana, where he was working with the NAU chapter of Engineers without Borders. "While working in Ghana, often in difficult circumstances and with limited resources, Bryce embraced the frequent challenges confronting the team," said Aaron Denham, Assistant Professor of Anthropology. "If it weren't for Bryce's problem solving, leadership and other exceptional efforts, the EWB projects this year would not have been successful. He is remembered not only for his remarkable intellect and astute problem solving abilities, but as a kind, compassionate, and positive person." The health clinic that Bryce was working on in Yua, Ghana will be dedicated to his memory. Mr. Gillies graduated from McLean High School in 2007, where he was a member of the National High School Mathematics Honor Society. He was awarded the four year Presidential Merit Scholarship to attend Northern Arizona University. In 2008 he was inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. An Eagle Scout who chose Northern Arizona University in part because of the area's beauty, he was an outdoor enthusiast who had hiked the Appalachian Trail, learned to kayak and rock climb. Bryce is survived by his parents, Randy and Warna Gillies and his brother Neal, of McLean, Virginia. He is also survived by his grandmother Eleanor Ferreira, of Chelmsford; uncles and aunts Jeffrey and Nance Gillies, David and Kim Gillies, and cousins Chelsea and Stephen Gillies, also from Chelmsford. Bryce will be greatly missed by many loving family members and friends. GILLIES A memorial service will be held in Virginia on Saturday, Aug. 8th at 1:00 P.M. at the Falls Church, 115 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church, VA 22046, (703) 889-8117. A memorial service will be held at Northern Arizona University, in Flagstaff, Arizona, after the fall semester begins. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Engineers Without Borders Northern Arizona University, C/O Dr. Aaron Denham, Department of Anthropology, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5200